Introduction
When launching a new website, one of the decisions you’ll face is whether to use the "www" prefix or go without it. While both options are technically sound, there are some important factors to consider when making this choice.
1. Aesthetics and Branding
Without "www": Many modern websites, especially those targeting younger or tech-savvy audiences, opt to drop the "www" for a cleaner, more minimalist look. It’s concise, easy to remember, and has become a popular choice for many startups and trendy brands.
With "www": For some businesses or organizations, the traditional "www" prefix can project authority and trustworthiness.
2. Technical Considerations
Cookies: If your site uses multiple subdomains (e.g., static.yourdomain.com for static content), using the "www" version can help manage cookies more efficiently. Cookies set on a non-www domain are sent to all subdomains, which might not be optimal for performance or security. With "www", cookies are isolated to the main site.
DNS Flexibility: Using "www" allows you more flexibility with DNS because CNAME records can be used with subdomains, whereas an apex domain (like yourdomain.com) typically requires A or ALIAS records. This distinction can matter if you're using third-party services that require CNAMEs.
Redirection: Regardless of your choice, it's essential to set up a 301 redirect from the non-preferred version to your chosen version. This ensures all users land on the correct site, and it consolidates search engine ranking signals to one domain.
3. SEO Considerations
Search engines treat both www and non-www domains equally, so your choice won't directly affect rankings. However, consistency is key. Once you've made your decision, be sure to stick with it, and inform search engines of your preference through tools like Google Search Console.
As mentioned before, set up a 301 redirect from the non-preferred version to the chosen one. This will consolidate link equity and help search engines understand which version to index.
4. User Perception
Without "www": For a modern, tech-focused audience, a domain without "www" can appear sleeker and more innovative.
With "www": Older or less tech-savvy users might expect to see "www" in a web address, and for them, it may feel more familiar and trustworthy.
5. Voice and Mobile Use
In an era where users often access websites via mobile devices or dictate web addresses through voice assistants, brevity is valuable. Domains without "www" are quicker to say and type, making them more user-friendly in these contexts.
6. Consistency
Whichever you choose, make sure you're consistent across all your branding, marketing materials, and communications.
In Conclusion
Choosing between "www" and no "www" is largely a matter of personal preference and your brand’s needs. Both options are valid, and there’s no definitive right or wrong. What matters most is consistency—stick with your choice and implement the necessary 301 redirects to guide both users and search engines to your preferred version.